James Coer, Controller of Aplicare, Inc., a manufacturing company headquartered in Branford, Connecticut since 1983, announced today that the company will be consolidating its manufacturing and warehousing operations to 550 Research Parkway in Meriden, Connecticut. “ Aplicare chose Meriden because 550 Research offers ideal space for our consolidation plan and is conveniently located in Meriden’s highly-valued corporate area,” Coer stated. “We met several times with staff from the city’s economic development office and George Swepson of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development prior to making our final decision. We thank them for their help and we look forward to becoming a member of the city’s corporate community.”

Aplicare has begun remodeling the facility and plans to begin moving its operations in September of 2005, with completion projected by June 2006. At completion, the consolidation will bring approximately 180 jobs to Meriden. Aplicare will occupy 200,000 of the building’s 321,025 square feet and will invest an estimated $2.6 million dollars in renovations.

Mayor Mark Benigni is excited by the company’s move to Meriden. “Aplicare brings 180 jobs, new taxes and a new corporate presence to Meriden. I am thrilled that the company chose Meriden. Moving their headquarters, manufacturing and warehouse operation to Research Parkway adds another name to the ever-expanding list of companies who believe Meriden is a great place to operate their business. Our local economy is strong, getting stronger and proves Aplicare is another example of what I have been saying all along-- Meriden is on the move.”

Aplicare is a leading manufacturer and marketer of topical antimicrobial drug products used to clean and disinfect skin in the healthcare setting today. Its products range from saturated pads and swabsticks that disinfect the skin prior to injection, to large surgical sponges designed to disinfect the skin prior to surgery in an operating room. Over the past 20 years, Aplicare has developed a world class manufacturing operation based on its commitment to quality, service, and innovation.

City Council majority leader, Steve Zerio is also delighted by the company’s move. “Aplicare‘s decision to consolidate its operations in Meriden proves, once again, that we are an ideal location for manufacturers wishing to expand or consolidate in the state. Manufacturing jobs are critical to Meriden’s economic base. In a time when these jobs are at risk throughout the state and most of New England, Aplicare chose Meriden as the place to consolidate and expand its operations. This is great news for Meriden, for the
state and for our workforce. I look forward to welcoming them to Meriden.”

Aplicare has applied through the City’s Economic Development Office and CT DECD for the Connecticut Urban Jobs incentive program. If approved, this program would provide an 80 percent tax abatement on real and personal property for five years and a 10-year, 25 percent credit on CT’s Corporation Business Tax that is attributable to the company’s expansion space in Meriden. If approved, the program would reimburse the city for 50 percent of the abated taxes.

550 Research Parkway, Inc owns 550 Research Parkway. Bob Dow of Dow Realty Company of New Haven and Mark Duclos and Alan Bolduc of Sentry Commercial Real Estate Services of Hartford were also involved in the transaction.